Report card: How did Iowa football look against Northern Iowa?
Iowa’s offense finally matched its defense in its final tune-up before conference play.
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) squares up for contact during a game against Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. The Hawkeyes defeated the Panthers 38–14.
September 16, 2018
Offense – B+
Iowa looked cohesive offensively for the first time this season. Nate Stanley finally found Nick Easley (10 times, for that matter), and he got Noah Fant going early on in the win.
On the ground, Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young took turns gut-punching the Panthers with Ivory Kelly-Martin still out with injury. Both Sargent and Young ran with a purpose, and having a one-two punch kept the legs fresh.
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Defense – A
Northern Iowa didn’t cross midfield until the second half. That’s a good thing, right?
The Hawkeye defense continued its trend of shutting down any sort of running game. The Panthers managed 6 rushing yards.
In pass defense, the Hawkeyes held starting quarterback Colton Howell to 3-of-10 passing, 22 yards, and an interception.
Overall, UNI had 228 yards of offense, and most of that came after the Panthers benched their starting signal caller.
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Special Teams – C+
Iowa’s special teams were so-so at best against Northern Iowa.
Miguel Recinos did knock down a 42-yard field goal, but before that, his attempt right before halftime was blocked.
Colton Rastetter only punted twice, neither of which were anything eye-opening. He averaged 35 yards per punt.
Amani Jones was dinged twice for special-team penalties, once for holding and the other for offside on a kickoff — not ideal from Iowa’s ex-starting linebacker.
